Alibi Picks

Globe-Trot Locally at 15th Annual Festival of Asian Cultures

One of the best parts of travel is the chance to breathe new air, literally and figuratively. Sample that refreshing discovery mode at Sunday’s Asian Festival of Cultures, a colorful, collective celebration of Asian and Pacific Countries hosted by the Asian American Association of New Mexico. This year, the venue is the New Mexico Veterans Memorial Park rather than the usual Downtown site. Aptly, the Festival’s theme is “Salute to American Veterans.” The beloved Vietnamese Lion Dance kicks off the day’s performances; a dozen more are scheduled through the day, including Taiko drumming, music and martial arts. Children’s activities are free, as are visits to information booths.

All you need to do is go; the only cost is for flavorful treats from Kimo's Hawaiian BBQ, Soo Bak Korean Food Truck and Basil's (Filipino) Home Cooking. Plan to collect a few new insights about people and places, as participants include Cambodian, Chinese, Filipino, Hawaiian, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Lao, Middle Eastern, Nepali, Tahitian, Thai and Vietnamese cultural groups. To volunteer in exchange for food and drink, call 332-9249. The Festival is funded in part by NM Arts and the City of Albuquerque Urban Enhancement Trust Fund, and is co-sponsored by Talin Market and the City of Albuquerque Cultural Services Dept. For details: aaanm.us or cabq.gov/culturalservices/events/festival-of-asian-cultures-2014. New Mexico Veterans Memorial • Sun May 18 • 10:30am-4pm • FREE • ALL-AGES! • View on Alibi calendar